Payroll Manager

Job Description Payroll Manager - Medford Public Schools Position Purpose Under the supervision of the Director of Finance, the Payroll Manager supports the management of the district's payroll operations including supervision of payroll staff, payroll processing, reporting, research, compliance, accuracy, and records retention. Essential Functions Supervises and directs the work of the payroll staff, recommends and implements improvements to payroll workflows to ensure accurate payroll processing within and between systems, develops procedures to review work for accuracy, develops procedures and forms to support payroll processing, trains staff to support the successful completion of assigned tasks, and covers short‑term payroll staff absences. Works with confidential employee information, develops procedures and systems to ensure the proper handling of such information, and ensures employee and retiree payroll questions are promptly responded to. Directs and supervises the accurate implementation of required deductions, ensuring deduction reports are distributed to the applicable recipients in a timely manner. Manages 403B salary deferrals and similar salary reduction agreements, supervises third‑party administrator services when applicable, signs 403B withdrawal requests and other similar requests including student loan forgiveness applications and employment verifications. Handles Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System (MTRS) reporting, supervises work required to ensure information provided to MTRS is accurate and in compliance with MTRS requirements, including responses to inquiries from MTRS regarding current or former employees. Supervises the completion of payroll information required for Medicaid claiming. Implements and maintains a payroll recording‑keeping system, and leads efforts to improve such a system by digitizing records and making other similar improvements. Assists the Director of Finance and the district leadership team in providing payroll information to prepare expenditure forecasts, annual budget requests, grant applications, and other special projects. Applies the provisions of various collective bargaining agreements to ensure employees are paid accurately. Continuously acquires professional knowledge by attending seminars, workshops, professional meetings, and/or conducting research under the supervision of the Director of Finance. Collaborates with Medford Public Schools' Human Resources department and the City finance and payroll staff to ensure efficient processing and posting of payroll, and occasionally represents the school district in meetings, on and off site, when required. Supports capacity building within the payroll staff, delegating tasks that are not already delegated with appropriate supervision and approval from the Director of Finance. Additional Duties Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Director of Finance. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. Equipment / Environment Use standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone. Work in standard office and school building environments. Travel Requirements Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Employee supervision and systems management experience. Knowledge of best practices in payroll processing. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and perform complex arithmetic operations. Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Knowledge of Harpers Payroll Systems or similar software. Knowledge of Frontline employee management and attendance system or similar software. Ability to analyze situations to define and draw conclusions. Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding employee compensation. Ability to develop and implement projects. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints. Ability to engage in self‑evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. Qualifications Profile Demonstrated education and experience in order to fulfill the duties and responsibilities required, post‑secondary degree preferred. Background in accounting, payroll or office management. Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation. Successful experience working for municipal or school district organizations preferred. FLSA Status Exempt EEO Statement Medford Public Schools fills positions on the basis of individual qualifications without regard to race, age, color, national origin, sex, marital status, gender identity, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. Salary $80,000-$90,000 #J-18808-Ljbffr